In Philadelphia you are approached by a well dressed black woman.

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"You look lost" she says "But don't worry, you are among friends". You vaguely remember someone telling you that this is a common code that abolitionists use when approaching fugitives.

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"A Friend of a friend sent me" Ellen replies. Still assuming the role of a southern gentleman.

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She takes you to a house owned by a Quaker named Samuel Johnson. Mrs. Johnson brings you hot stew and biscuits and reassures you that you have reached freedom.

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"Even though this is Philadelphia, it is not safe to stay here", Mrs. Johnson adds. "We can put you in touch with other well known members of The Society." She is referring of course to the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society.

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After weighing your options, you and Ellen both agree that you didn't come this far just to spend the rest of your lives in fear of being captured. In Canada, a British colony, slavery is illegal and you would be safe from Federal Marshals and the police who might hunt you down in the United States.

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The Society arranges for you to be transported to Canada sometime next week. They inform you that crossing the border is the most dangerous part of the journey because Federal Marshals and slave catchers are especially suspicious of any black folks who might be sneaking into Canada. Any black person going to Canada, regardless of emancipation papers, is assumed to be a runaway.

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One night you are suddenly shaken awake and told to grab your stuff. A wagon is waiting to take you to a boat where you will cross Lake Erie. The plan is for you to hide in a cargo of wheat flour being shipped to Toronto. You only have to make it onto the ship. The captain is an abolitionist.

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You settle in Toronto, although there are many communities where freed slaves had escaped to and settled. In Canada, competition between European immigrants and free blacks sometimes leads to conflicts. Blacks still face discrimination. Like in the United States, blacks cannot vote nor can they hold certain jobs. However, in big cities you are amazed to see black and white children attending the same schools. Thriving black neighborhoods have sprung up with black owned businesses. Most importantly, you realize that you can live your life knowing that you are not a fugitive and that in Canada, escaping slavery does not make you a criminal.

The End